Domestic abuse figures still ‘Scotland’s shame’

Domestic abuse remains Scotland’s “national shame”, a leading police officer said, as the number of cases rose over the festive period.

Between 1 December and 31 January, police recorded 10,159 incidents, up 261 on last year.

Officers in the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) called for young people to be educated on abuse issues. Chief Inspector Graham Goulden, head of the VRU anti-violence campaign, said: “Domestic abuse is Scotland’s national shame. The commitment of police and partners to tackling that shame is beyond doubt – only last week, the Chief Constable of Scotland announced new plans to tackle domestic abuse, and organisations like Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, Zero Tolerance, White Ribbon Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid have been relentless in placing this issue at the top of agenda in Scotland.”